Rochester Cremation Services

Vonda Leigh Kelly (nee' Jackson), age 86, of Hudson, WI (formerly of Bloomington, MN) went to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Born on October 27, 1937 in Roseau, MN, her family later relocated to Kenyon, MN near the Jackson family farm. She married her high school sweetheart, Dave Vettrus, on September 16, 1955, and they raised their 4 children in Bloomington. They were very involved in church life, Scouts, camping and music. She lived 55 years in the home that she loved. She later married Gene Kelly in 1997. They enjoyed MN sports, travel and time spent with family and, of course, the many Bloomington events that she helped create. She loved God and served Him well. She...

Ona Mae Voelkel, 83, passed away on September 4, 2023, after a short battle with bladder cancer. She passed away at River Bend Assisted Living in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by her loved ones. Ona was born to Virgil and Mary Carter on October 24, 1939, in Fairview Heights, IL. She united in marriage with her high school sweetheart, Stan Voelkel, on October 2, 1959, in Edgemont, IL. Soon after, they moved to Cedar Rapids, IA, where they had their first two children, Jon and Jamie. In 1968, they moved to Delphos, Ohio, where they expanded their family by two, welcoming Jill and Jason. After nine years in Ohio, the family moved to Le Center, MN, where she worked for WINCO and helped Stan...

Ona Mae Voelkel, 83, passed away on September 4, 2023, after a short battle with bladder cancer. She passed away at River Bend Assisted Living in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by her loved ones. Ona was born to Virgil and Mary Carter on October 24, 1939, in Fairview Heights, IL. She united in marriage with her high school sweetheart, Stan Voelkel, on October 2, 1959, in Edgemont, IL. Soon after, they moved to Cedar Rapids, IA, where they had their first two children, Jon and Jamie. In 1968, they moved to Delphos, Ohio, where they expanded their family by two, welcoming Jill and Jason. After nine years in Ohio, the family moved to Le Center, MN, where she worked for WINCO and helped Stan...

Joy Marlene (Springman) Fraki, age 85, died on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at home in the loving arms of her family. Joy was born on November 17, 1937, in North Liberty, IN to Mary and Charles Springman. She graduated from North Liberty School. In 1956 Joy and Lawrence were married and blessed with 5 children. Joy loved her family and enjoyed golfing, cooking, and traveling. Joy is survived by her husband, Lawrence; children, Deborah Swarthout, Jeff (Stephanie) Fraki, Nancy (David) Lexvold, Susan (Kevin) Nelson, and Michelle Wiskow; 11 grandchildren, Sarah (Andrew), Patricia, Matthew, Terry (Ginger), Angela, Andrew, Amy (Michael), Megan, Adam, Ryan, and Jacob; and 4 great grandchildren,...

Paul Gerard Krueger, 62, died August 7, 2023, in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Paul was born August 31, 1960 in Mankato to Hugo and Agnes (Miller) Balk, Sr. He attended Eyota School and graduated from Eyota High School. Paul is survived by his daughter, Norelle; siblings, Judy Balk, Mankato; Dan (Becky) Balk of Isanti; Sue (Larry) Gilster of St. Peter; Hugo Balk, Jr. of Waseca; Cyndy (Joe Butler) of Burnsville; Kriss Bidwell of St. Peter; Pete Balk of Mankato; Tess (Pat) Moran of Kanab, Utah; Jeff Krueger of Rochester; Rick (Rowann) Pepper of Mankato and numerous nieces and nephews.. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Michael Balk; and sister-in-law Marlene Balk. Visitation...

Duane Robert "Lenny" Lennartson, 73, died Friday, May 26, 2023 at his home in Rochester surrounded by loved ones after a 15 month battle with Leukemia (AML) Duane was born on July 16, 1949 to Robert and Lindus (Thorburg) Lennartson in Duluth, MN. He graduated from Proctor High School in 1967. He attended University of Minnesota in Duluth and graduated from University of Minnesota with a Degree in Music and a Degree in Dentistry. He owned his own Dental Practice in Owatonna for 33 years and retired in 2007 to Crosslake, MN. Duane met the love of his life, Ardis Laue and they married on June 14, 1980 in Owatonna. They have one daughter, Robin. Lenny loved music and sang in the Roger Tenney...

Timothy Robert Otto, age 54, passed away Sunday, March 19th at Mayo Hospital after a 2 1/2 year courageous and hard-fought battle against colon cancer. Born February 14, 1969 to his parents, Bill and Bonnie (Grendahl) Otto in Zumbrota, MN. He was Baptized at Lands Lutheran Church and was raised in Kenyon, MN. Tim was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout where he achieved the Order of the Arrow. He was Confirmed at First Lutheran Church. He attended Kenyon High School where he participated in band and golf (along with many skip days spent going to Burnsville to buy concert tickets). He graduated with the Class of 1987. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in...

MALINDA RUTH GRAFF September 12, 1948 - April 23, 2022 Malinda joined the Angels after a very rapid spreading cancer ravaged her body. Although sudden, there was not a long period of suffering for her after diagnosis. She was the only daughter of Ruth Sophie (Miller) Olson and Adolph Clarence Olson. Malinda graduated from Owatonna High School in 1968, and went on to beauty school, finishing in 1970. She was married to David J. Graff in 1973 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Spring Valley, MN. The couple began farming on the Graff family farm in that year, but eventually relocated to Rochester, where Dave began his career with IBM, and they made their home. Malinda held a couple jobs...

Phyllis Marian (Gruhlke) Heise, age 89, died Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Mayo Clinic St. Marys Hospital. Phyllis was born on September 2, 1931 in Mazeppa, Minnesota to William and Mamie (Albers) Gruhlke. She graduated from Mazeppa High School in 1948. She married John (Jack) Heise on September 27, 1952 at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. They lived in Lake City, Minnesota until 1954 when they moved to Zumbrota. She worked at St. Marys in a lab before her marriage and returned to the work force, after her children were in school, at Zumco and Actua in Zumbrota. She enjoyed reading, sewing and crafting. Phyllis is survived by her 4 children, Mary (Patrick) McNamara, Amy (Mike) Madson,...

Nathan Lee Lappi, age 40, died Monday, July 6, 2020 at his home in Rochester, MN. Nate was born May 23, 1980 in Virginia, MN to Timothy Moore and Beverly Lappi. He graduated from Virginia High School in 1998. He moved to Rochester in 2002 and worked for Schwann's, Coldwell Banker and later started a lawn care company. Most recently he was employed at Mayo Clinic. Nate was happiest when he was fishing, and loved spending time in his fish house or boat. Nate is survived by his wife, Trudy Lappi; mother, Beverly Lappi; sister, Sara Moore; brother, Andrew Brown; and nephews, August and Roland. He is preceded in death by his father, Timothy Moore; and his grandparents. A Celebration of Life...

David "Dave" Alan McConnell, age 63, died Friday, June 12, 2020 surrounded by loved ones in his home in Lake City. MN. Dave was born on January 7, 1957 in Clinton, IA to Ward and Jeanne (Mayer) McConnell. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1975. He joined the Carpenters Union in 1978. He married Lori Sikkema on May 19, 1979 at Methodist Church in Clinton, IA. Dave was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed camping, boating and spending time with his family. His humor, kindness, gentle touch and love for life was known by all. Dave was a union carpenter for over 36 years who recently retired in 2014. His patience and attention to detail was shown in his amazing...

Colleen Agnes Wallerich, age 82, died Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Madonna Towers after a 2 year Alzheimers illness. Colleen was born on January 9, 1938 to Carl and Dorothy (Buysse) DeSchepper. She married Norbert Wallerich in 1983 in Rochester. She was a medical secretary at Mayo Clinic for 27 years. She was a long-time resident of Byron and Rochester. She was a member of Pax Christi Church, a volunteer at Madonna Towers, and loved to cook and bake for the holidays. She is survived by her children, Marlee (David) Mathis of Rochester, MN, Peter (Teresa) Wallerich of Wabasha, MN, Paul (Beth) Wallerich of St. Louis Park, MN, Terry (Linda) Anding of Duluth, MN, and Bill (Sarah) Anding of...

Thomas David Nelson, age 75, died on Friday, May 22, 2020 at home surrounded by loved ones after a 10 year illness with cancer. He was born in Rochester, MN on July 5, 1944 to Orin and Ruth (Murray) Closner. He married Karen Marie Stiller on May 14, 1966 in Pine Island, MN. He served in the U.S. Navy, was a sheet metal draftsman, county building inspector, and then started his own business Toms Home Improvement. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and spending time with his family. He is survivied by his wife, Karen; children, Cory (Amy) Nelson of Rochester, MN. Michelle (John) Powrie of Eyota, MN. and Tim Nelson of Rochester, MN.; siblings, Karen Budensiek and Jeanne Paquette; 8...

Mary Lynn Norrie was born January 27, 1953 and died May 16, 2020. In the last few years of life complicated ailments impacted but did not defeat her wish to lead a simple life, lived in God's Grace. She was blessed with family, friends, pets, books, helping others, curiosity and learning. Raised by Depression Era parents of Scandinavian ancestry, stoicism, frugality, practicality, and perseverance marched into her life early, saying "fight the good fight", "bloom where you grow", "save for a rainy day", "be thankful for what you have, it could be worse." Mary had a dry sense of humor and was probably too serious for her own good. She was loyal and gave others the benefit of the doubt....